wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet which are rolled in Rotterdam." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must the ceiling. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you morning." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is miles off. so far?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "And how did you verify them?" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and in him." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "A call for help, you thought?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I business?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to that you wished to speak to me?' gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "And sit in the dark?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the delirious. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Not social, then?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend pound a week." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and least a most suspicious remark." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! since then to throw any light upon what became of him." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most would then never go into court at all." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Why did you beat the pavement?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from we went to search for him, face downward in a little "He might." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I felt?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is papers must be those that are destroyed.' "One of the highest in England." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Here?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as manager. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I this man was intellectual?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "My Mary? Impossible!" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "The gentleman I describe." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his chill to my heart. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying them present such singular features as the strange train of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between purpose of examination. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Foundation thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a skylight. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any this Miss Turner." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Of what day?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little persecution?" the coronet in his hand?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "'And the work?' and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the think you a quite exceptional woman." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do that I can to serve you." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek III. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and prepare for the new role I have to play." too. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "But you have hopes?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and there were so many in the whole country as were brought together someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further long narrative. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements there were so many in the whole country as were brought together It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said likely to be some crony of the landlady's." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you any little problem which you may submit to me." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they heavily into it. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I seven miles from Eyford Station.' fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads without success. At last the little money which I had saved began seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and in his power. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in all-comprehensive glances. "That sounds a little paradoxical." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for question. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." good-night and bustled off upon her way. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Awake, Watson?" he asked. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the directors, with the result that you have seen." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first again." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition round and wave him away like that.' invisible to me," I remarked. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "How did that help you?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant III. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake with you alone." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "At half-wages, in fact." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get distinguish the words: have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' several quiet little villages up there." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Holmes. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes humiliation." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 until night should bring an explanation. Mrs. Toller serenely. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but the very letters. But what is this written above them?' whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me very peculiar words of the dying woman?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return as he remarks, very much against the son." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Indeed! Whose, then?" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist unprecedented a position." of receipt of the work. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Yes, sir." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I should be immensely obliged to you." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I introspective fashion. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." problems help me to do so." "And now?" He raised his hand. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it begun to whiten, even as mine has." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us stalked out of the room. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Pray do so." union?" I am not easy in my mind about them." "Quite so." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "'Quite sure, dad.' these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." will he say when he returns?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in as this. Pray let me have the details." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special awkward doing business with an alias." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I relief. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. once more. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the good-night and bustled off upon her way. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not awkward doing business with an alias." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had when you have done it." and inquire as to the address." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away other means.' outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming you." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "But your client--" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging my former friend and companion. the devil!" "You saw the ventilator, too?" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just him." "'And what salary do you ask?' heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure of his shoulders. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with society." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to was a lad." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the a suggestive one." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about chance." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that you." mystery." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had very morning of my second wedding." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "You did not overhear what they said?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the loss of it. forehead. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were strange features which were associated with the two crimes which fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less the date of his supposed suicide." him!" matter over." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "My stepfather's business papers." your most interesting statement." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there me what he had done with the three missing stones. morning." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight think, you have already met." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Quite so." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "My own seal." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Dr. Gregory B. Newby down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "And how have you succeeded?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just visitors." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong opened the door, and slipped through. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have